National team
Argentina lose 2-1 to Uruguay in first game without Messi
Leonardo Balerdi scored an own goal as Uruguay beat Argentina in a friendly at La Bombonera, the side's first match since Messi's retirement.
Golviva NewsroomUpdated
Argentina lost 2-1 to Uruguay in a friendly at La Bombonera in Buenos Aires on Friday, their first game since Lionel Messi retired from international football.
The opening goal was an own goal by Leonardo Balerdi, as reported by L'Équipe and RMC Sport.
Corriere dello Sport reported that the stadium was about half empty, which it put down to Messi's absence and expensive tickets. Record also described empty stands at the Bombonera.
After the defeat, coach Lionel Scaloni called for a rebuild, ESPN reported.
Sources
This article is based on reports by:
- ESPN — Scaloni calls for 'rebuild' as Argentina fall in first game without Messi
- RMC Sport — L'Argentine s'incline pour la première post-Messi, avec un but contre son camp de Balerdi
- TuttoMercatoWeb — Argentina ko nella prima senza Messi: l’Uruguay passa 2-1, autogol Balerdi
- AS — Un desierto sin Messi
- The Athletic — Argentina’s life after Lionel Messi begins with Uruguay defeat in front of half-empty stadium
- L'Équipe — Leonardi Balerdi buteur contre son camp, l'Argentine perd face à l'Uruguay
- Corriere dello Sport — Niente Messi e biglietti troppo costosi: Bombonera mezza vuota per Argentina-Uruguay!
- Record — Bombonera com bancadas despidas no primeiro jogo da Argentina sem Messi
- Foot Mercato — Amical : pour son premier match de l’après-Messi, l’Argentine s’incline contre l’Uruguay !
Written by the Golviva newsroom from the reports below, with figures from Golviva’s own database. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. · How we report
